Reading Slump? Tips to Get Out of It + Our “Slump Slayer” Cocktail (Books & Booze Podcast)In this episode of The Plot With a Twist, we chat about what a reading slump feels like, what causes it, and practical ways to get excited about books again—cocktail in hand. We talk about common triggers like overhyped reads that don’t deliver, book hangovers after an epic series, reading outside your mood, genre burnout (especially heavy or emotional books), overcommitting to ARCs and beta reads, being mentally stuck in a beloved fictional world, and the way social media/content pressure can suck the joy out of reading. We also cover how life stress, exhaustion, and even falling asleep mid-read or mid-audiobook can contribute. Our slump-busting tips include rereading a comfort favorite, trying a new or rarely-read genre, changing your reading style (paperback/Kindle/audio), and not forcing it. We share specific books and series that helped us recover (including Hunger Games, Fourth Wing, Harry Potter, Bewitched & Bewildered, Lights Out, Ruinous Love trilogy, Trick by Natalia Jaster, Hockey Gods, the Beautiful series by Christina Lauren, the “Why Mummy…” books by Jill Sims, Bishop by L.J. Shen, and Succubus Blues). We finish with our themed drink of the week: the “Slump Slayer,” made with Malibu, vanilla vodka, mango lemonade Celsius, and mango garnish.00:00 Welcome to The Plot With a Twist (Books & Booze Intro)00:30 That ‘Nothing Hits’ Feeling: What a Reading Slump Is02:15 Defining the Slump: Bored, Distracted & Doomscrolling04:17 Why Slumps Happen: Overhype, High Expectations & Forcing It06:56 Book Hangovers + Mood Reading + Genre Burnout09:24 Overcommitting to ARCs & Getting Stuck in a Series World11:44 Social Media Burnout: When Posting Sucks the Joy Out13:33 Slump Triggers & the ‘NRN’ Shelf (Not Right Now)15:48 How Long Slumps Last + Do All Readers Get Them?21:28 Outside Influences: Life Stress, Exhaustion & Falling Asleep Reading25:28 Tips to Get Out of a Slump: Re-read a Comfort Favorite26:30 Annotating Fourth Wing: tiny print, big plans29:20 Reading Slump Fixes: reread favorites, try a 6-star pick30:41 Switch It Up: new genres + changing your reading format34:33 Books That Broke the Slump: Hunger Games to Hockey Gods35:36 Comfort Re-reads & Indie Gems: Harry Potter, Bewitched & Bewildered38:53 Dark Romance Spotlight: Bishop (LJ Shen) & the chess-series confusion43:34 Cocktail Break: the “Slump Slayer” energy-drink recipe 47:08 Wrap-Up: where to follow + next week’s episode tease

Unveiling Our Favorite Romance Novels & CocktailsJoin us as we dive into the world of romance novels just in time for Valentine's Day! From discussing favorite love stories that have touched our hearts to listing the top romance subgenres and tropes, we've got the perfect book recommendations for you. We also talk about the intricacies of what makes a romance novel, and end the episode with a unique cocktail recipe to match those bookish vibes. Don't miss out!00:00 Intro00:26 Valentine's Day Romance Reads01:13 Tiny Microphone Troubles02:27 Defining Romance Novels03:58 Why We Love Romance Novels06:47 Favorite Romance Subgenres12:16 Classic Love Stories20:25 Personal Favorite Romances38:54 Discussing Audiobook Narrators39:43 Raven Hood Series by Kate Stewart41:05 Does It Hurt? by Michelle Sparks and Troy Duran43:19 Feirce Obsession by S. Mastery46:14 The Alliance Series48:13 Mind Fuck by ST Abby49:28 Vows and Lies Series52:49 Reverse by Kate Stewart54:52 Carnal Obsession by Kaya Carrington Russell58:19 Captive Audience by Julie Weaver01:02:30 Books on Our TBR List01:18:40 Valentine's Day Cocktail Recipe, It's Always ILY

Join us as we divulge our most anticipated book releases for 2026, month by month. We discuss a variety of upcoming titles across different genres and offer our thoughts on each one. In this special episode, we also share our favorite cocktail recipes and holiday drink plans. As we reflect on the past year, we want to thank each and every one of our listeners. We will be taking a brief hiatus until late January 2026 but stay tuned for Season 3!00:00 Intro00:30 Reflecting on the Past Year02:15 Anticipated Book Releases for January08:32 Anticipated Book Releases for February13:32 Anticipated Book Releases for March23:13 Anticipated Book Releases for April25:09 April Book Releases26:53 May Book Releases30:27 June Book Releases32:14 July Book Releases34:27 August Book Releases37:20 September Book Releases38:21 October Book Releases39:06 November Book Releases40:06 December Book Releases41:22 Favorite Cocktails and New Year's Plans47:24 Thank You and See You Next Year!

Badass FMCs: Crafting the Ultimate Leading LadyJoin us as we dive into the world of female main characters (FMCs) that embody strength, independence, and badassery across various genres. We discuss the traits that make a great FMC, share our favorite leading ladies, and even craft their ideal FMC from scratch. We also introduce a new cocktail recipe to complement these powerful heroines, a TPWAT original. Tune in for a fun-filled discussion about books, character development, and embracing female empowerment.00:00 Introduction 00:27 Celebrating Female Main Characters (FMCs)01:10 Building the Ultimate Leading Lady01:40 Holiday Season and Podcast Updates02:13 Traits of a Good FMC03:01 Empowerment and Realism in FMCs03:36 Growth and Development of FMCs04:45 Resonance of FMCs with Female Readers06:15 Historical Context and Feminism07:03 Personal Connections to FMCs08:14 Favorite FMCs and Their Traits10:57 Influence of FMCs on Young Women14:52 Discussion on Specific FMCs38:26 A Hilarious Encounter39:26 Divergent's Tris Pryor41:59 Sloane from Butcher & Blackbird44:18 Rose from Scythe & Sparrow46:20 Elizabeth Bennett's Subtle Strength47:37 Briar from Trick48:48 Nesta's Unapologetic Attitude54:20 Building Our Ideal FMC01:09:44 Creating the Perfect FMC Cocktail01:12:50 Wrapping Up and Thank You

Christmas TBR List for 2025: Must-Read Festive Books & Holiday Recommendations!Join us as we dive into our holiday TBR (To Be Read) list for 2025! In this special Christmas-themed episode, we discuss the latest festive book releases, share our holiday reading plans, and offer recommendations ranging from Christmas romcoms to darker holiday reads. And as always, we've crafted a special cocktail perfect for this holiday season to enjoy while you're enjoying all your new bookish boyfriends.00:00 Introduction 00:39 Christmas TBR Time01:43 What Makes a Good Christmas TBR?05:45 Favorite Types of Christmas Books11:49 Christmas Book Releases22:58 Dark and Wicked Reads23:43 Fallen City Duology24:36 Hockey Romance and More25:30 Ravenhood Series Insights27:18 Holiday TBR Lists43:40 Meet Me Under the Mistletoe Cocktail47:36 Closing Remarks

Building the Ultimate Book Boyfriend: Our Perfect Male Main CharacterJoin us as we dive into crafting our ideal male main character (MMC). From physical traits to personality attributes, we blend the best qualities from our favorite bookish heartthrobs and anti-heros. Expect laughter, heartfelt debates, and ALL the smut as we build a man who ticks all the right boxes, and even some of the wrong ones. Tune in for an episode filled with magic, emotional intelligence, and a touch of the fantastical.00:00 Introduction00:25 Creating the Perfect MMC03:23 Defining a Good MMC10:51 Why We Love Fictional Men16:09 Favorite MMCs and Their Qualities35:00 Discussing Draco36:44 Poet from Trick 37:24 Fashion and Effort in Modern Times38:15 Building the Perfect Man38:39 Ideal Physical Traits53:45 Desired Personality Traits01:04:32 Main Male Cocktail, a TPWAT original01:07:41 Closing Remarks and Social Media

Reviewing Unhinged by Steph Macca | Plot with a Twist PodcastJoin Allorah and Roe in this episode of 'The Plot with a Twist' where they dive into 'Unhinged' by Steph Macca. This discussion blends spoiler and spoiler-free content, touching on themes, characters, and plot twists. We rate the book, discuss narration highlights, and share our honest thoughts on what we loved and what irked us. Plus, we introduce the perfect specifically themed shot, 'Off Your Rocker,' crafted just for this wild read. Don't miss out on our theories for the rest of the series. Make sure to like, share, subscribe, and leave a review!00:00 Introduction to The Plot with a Twist00:29 Book Review: Unhinged by Steph Macker01:27 Narration and Ratings03:39 Discussion on Writing Style and Plot09:55 Character Analysis: Avery and the MMCs12:57 Favorite Scenes and Final Thoughts26:15 Unpacking the Finger Incident29:25 Avery's Bold Moments30:35 Favorite Quotes from the Book34:18 Discussing the Book's Ending35:19 The Why Choose vs. Reverse Harem Debate41:08 Theories and Predictions for the Series48:40 Creating the Perfect Drink53:48 Closing Remarks and Social Media Shoutouts

Join Roe and Allorah on this episode as they delve into their favorite reads of 2025 and share the 10 must-reads they plan to conquer before the end of the year. From dark romance and mafia thrillers to dystopian fantasies and cowboy romances, discover the books that have captured their hearts and those still on their towering TBR lists. Plus, don't miss the special espresso martini recipe to keep you awake on those long reading nights!00:00 Welcome to The Plot with a Twist00:46 Reflecting on the Year in Books02:19 Reading Goals and Challenges16:20 Tracking Your Reading Progress23:01 Favorite Reads of the Year34:57 Iliana: The Ultimate Mafia Enforcer37:25 Reckless by Elsie Silver: A Well-Executed Pregnancy Trope39:25 Cunning Vows: A Mafia Auction with a Twist43:04 Soul Match: A Unique Dystopian Concept44:08 Meet Me in Dreamland: A Delightful Enemies to Lovers45:41 Trick by Natalia Jaster: Dark Fantasy Romance50:08 10 Books to Finish Before the End of the Year01:04:22 Espresso Martini: The Perfect Drink for Your TBR01:05:46 Thank You and Stay Tuned!

Exploring Halloween Book Tropes: Spooky Season Favorites🎃Join bookish hosts Allorah and Roe as they dive into the best and worst Halloween book tropes. From eerie haunted houses to captivating dark romances, they explore what makes these spooky reads so compelling. Grab your favorite spooky season drink and tune in to discover their favorite tropes and the ones they think should be cut. Don't miss out on this thrilling episode full of literary magic, mayhem, and maybe just a little bit of smut!00:00 Welcome to Plot with a Twist00:39 Spooky Season Book Recommendations02:48 Diving into Tropes08:57 Tropes in Halloween Reads11:08 Dark Romance Tropes19:47 Paranormal Tropes26:40 Paranormal and Reluctant Heroines28:33 Spooky Themes and Haunted Houses28:51 Ghosts and Incubus Debate29:47 Witches and Inheritance with Strings31:23 Horror Genre: Gore, Serial Killers, and More34:40 Thriller Genre: Psychological Mind Games37:58 Favorite Tropes in Halloween Reads42:33 Tropes That Don't Work for Halloween49:54 Halloween Cocktail: The Witches Brew51:25 Closing Remarks and Thank You

Spooky Season Spectacular: Halloween Book Recommendations!Join Roe and Allorah of 'The Plot With A Twist' as they dive into their favorite Halloween reads, from gothic mysteries to dark romance and creepy ghost stories. Grab your bloody drink and settle in as they discuss their top book picks for October, the latest releases, and what makes for a truly spine-chilling Halloween TBR. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more bookish content each week!00:00 Introduction to Plot with a Twist00:28 Embracing the Spooky Season02:01 Halloween Reading Lists02:33 Defining a Good Halloween Book03:58 Exploring Dark Romance04:33 Monster Smut and Creepy Vibes07:01 October Book Releases12:47 Authors to Read This Halloween16:18 Autumn Kingdom Vibes16:35 TBR List Chaos17:02 Book Recommendations and Reviews17:30 Reading Challenges and Goals20:20 Creepy and Fluffy Reads30:52 Cocktail Recipe and Farewell